In their inquiry-based unit, Grade 4 students explored a variety of space-related topics, including our solar system, phases of the moon, influential astronomers, Earth’s rotation, gravity, and the atmosphere. After building background knowledge, each student selected a space-related topic of personal interest to investigate further, developing an inquiry project to address their guiding question. Following their research, students organized their findings into a structured essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Essay topics included subjects such as the big bang theory, life on Mars, famous astronauts, and space explorations of different planets. They created presentations that complemented their essays in various formats such as Kahoot quizzes, Jeopardy games, podcasts, posters, and slideshows. The unit also integrated Judaic Studies, as students examined the lunar basis of the Jewish calendar.

As a culminating experience, students performed a space musical in collaboration with their general studies and Hebrew teachers. Beyond acting in the play, Vacation to Mars, students helped design costumes, build props, and even translated parts of the play into Hebrew. Kol hakavod to our hard-working Grade 4 space explorers!